Held twice a year in the March and September, the Modern
Companies Livery Dinner brings together all the Liveries formed since 1926 for
a black-tie event and is eagerly awaited by all attendees. Hosted on a rotating
basis (the Water Conservators did the honours in March 2018) it was the turn of
the Worshipful Company of Firefighters to organise and so it was with much
pleasure that the Master Firefighter Andrew Mayes and his team invited us for
dinner in the wonderful Tallow Chandlers Hall on Dowgate Hill.
A Hall for the Worshipful Company of Tallow Chandlers has
stood on this site since 1476 although the original one was lost in the Great
Fire. Rebuilding was completed in 1677 and has been in constant use ever since.
Apart from the loss of the original musician’s gallery, the Hall’s basic
size, shape and layout has changed little over the years. The Blitz led to some
minor bomb damage but the Hall itself survived largely unscathed. It is
certainly a magnificent structure!
I was accompanied by the Fleet Warden Rob Casey and joined
circa. 60 other Masters and Senior Wardens for a Reception and dinner. The
principle guest was the Immediate Past Lord Mayor, Alderman Dr Sir Andrew
Parmley who regaled us with stories from his year as Lord Mayor. There were
many alarming statistics including having to deliver over 900 speeches and
spending more than half his time abroad! But he made light of all this and
repeated what an honour it was to serve the City.
He also made reference to the continued relevance and impact
the Modern Companies have in todays business world and urged us to continue to
develop and grow for the benefit of our respective professions and disciplines.
A very uplifting speech!
In response, the Master Firefighter thanked Sir Andrew and
repeated his honour in being able to host such an important gathering. He also
invited us to join him in a Stirrup Cup before our departure; a chance to
mingle and stretch one’s legs!
The Modern Livery Companies Dinner is a wonderful
opportunity to get to know our fellow Masters and their Wardens and in the most
convivial of surroundings. We all look forward to the Worshipful Company of Hackney
Carriage Drivers hosting the next dinner in March 2019.
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